Whether it’s under a
mat, a pot, a garden gnome or on the molding above a door or window, we all
know someone who hides a key outside. Spare keys are often left outside in case
kids get locked out after school, or if someone loses their keys. Either way,
it seems as though some homeowners believe hiding a key from plain sight will
outsmart a burglar.
This is not the case,
any place you might think to hide a key outside, you average burglar has
probably already thought of it too! So don’t make it easier for them to break
in… never leave a key outside, no matter how well you think you've hidden it.
Hiding a spare key
under a mat or a rock outside is never a good idea – no matter how safe your
neighbourhood might seem. You might as well be welcoming a burglar into your
home because the first place they’ll look is under the doormat or in a flower
pot. Some people may insist on hiding a key outside though, but remember,
paying a locksmith is much cheaper than replacing all your stuff after a
burglary. So if you must have a spare key hidden somewhere outside, here’s what
you want to avoid more than anything…
- Never put your name,
number, address or any other personal information on a key. If you were ever to
lose this key, a thief would not have a hard time tracing the key straight back
to your home. Now, this means someone has complete access to your home! If you
do ever end up losing your key, get the lock changed immediately.
- Never hide your
spare key in your wallet. I know it may seem like a great idea to tuck a spare
key in the fold of your wallet. However, think about this: What if someone
steals your wallet? They have your home address and the spare key to get inside
your house – this is a burglars dream come true!
- Never advertise the
fact that you've chosen to hide a key outside your home. If you do this and
tell someone about it, then change it up. But seriously try to avoid putting
your spare key anywhere outside your house (that fake rock in the garden isn't fooling
anyone), plus, someone could also see you retrieve the key at some point which gives
away your hiding place.
Instead of hiding your
key under the mat or in the other obvious places, consider the following
suggestions for a safer place to keep your spare key…
- A programmable door
lock is by far the safest way to get rid of the need for a spare key. With a
programmable lock, you no longer need a key.
You’ll be able to program different codes for different users as well as lock
and unlock your door straight from your phone. If
you don’t like the idea of getting rid of keys all together, some programmable
locks have a key option for those of you who would prefer to keep a traditional key.
- You could also put
your spare key into a combination lockbox and hide that somewhere outside.
- One of the best
options if you’re someone who loses their keys regularly is to keep a spare with
a trusted neighbour or a nearby family member. Discuss a plan of action with
your child in case they become locked out (like walking to a neighbours house
for help).
Some neighbourhoods
are generally safer than others, and how you protect your home can be a matter
of preference and affordability. Spare keys are both handy and hazardous and
should always be used with caution. Today’s technology provides you with simple
and affordable alternatives to a hidden key.
For all your home and business security needs, contact SIS - Security & Investigation Services. They can offer you a variety of different services from general guarding to CCTV off site and alarm monitoring.
Written By: Christine Romans
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